One way to build meaningful relationships, whether in life or business, is by getting to know someone. In a culture full of noise and electronics, the art of questioning and listening can easily get lost in the shuffle. The good news is that since few people spend time asking questions AND listening, it can be a way to instantly stand out. In a world focused on “me,” a simple differentiator is being present and acknowledging the other person and considering what is best for them. In the hiring process, this approach allows you to explore whether or not you are a good fit for the candidate, and if they are a good fit for you.
In the book, “Good Leaders Ask Great Questions,” John Maxwell says “to reach your leadership potential, you have to embrace asking questions as a lifestyle. If you want answers you must ask questions.” In order to determine if your organization is a good fit for a candidate, it requires both parties to ask important questions.
One thing to consider is that your potential candidate might not know the questions to ask. If we accept that what you are currently doing is not going to get you to where you want to go, you can assume that anyone you are interviewing is using the same methodology they did in the past that got them their current results. The means that you might even need to coach your candidates on the questions they should ask you.
Questions truly are the key to opening doors and finding answers. Questions are the ultimate connector and help you engage at a deeper and deeper level with someone. It is a way to peel away the layers and discover more about the candidate and what makes them tick. The types of questions you want to incorporate in a question lifestyle are as follows:
1. Open-ended questions. These typically start with what, why, when who, tell me about. If you get a “yes or no” answer then you are going nowhere and have hit a dead end.
2. Profound questions. Profound questions produce profound answers.
3. Problem-solving questions. How can you solved this problem? Or how did you solve it in the past? What is your greatest problem or challenge?
I ask you to consider, incorporating questions into your life on a daily basis. One way to do this is to notice if you find yourself in a situation where you are talking the majority of the time. Consider, should you be asking questions instead of talking? Or how can you use questions to engage with those around you?
Take the one day challenge – notice for one full day when you are talking if you are asking questions or telling? Awareness is the first step to incorporating new and powerful practices that can make a difference.
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